Private guided safaris, the ultimate unique and enriching safari experience. 

Anyone who has had the privilege of traveling with a great safari tour guide will know that it is a magical and humbling experience, that elevates a safari to one of life’s great memorable experiences.

Join the Adventure of a Lifetime: Private Guided Safaris

Experiencing the beauty and majesty of Southern Africa's wildlife is a dream come true for many people, but arranging a safari can be difficult and confusing. 

It can be hard to know who to trust when planning a safari. There are so many options available, and it's difficult to know which company offers the best experience.

Sundowner Safaris is the answer to this problem. We are experts in providing private guided safaris in Southern Africa, and our team has tremendous experience in the industry. Our guides are passionate and knowledgeable about wildlife and will ensure that you have an unforgettable safari experience. 

What is a private guided safari and how does it work?

On a traditional safari, you will be assigned a new guide at each camp you visit, and your activities will be with a group. On a privately guided safari, your guide will meet you on arrival and accompany you throughout your safari. At the safari camps and lodges, you will enjoy private activities with the sole use of game viewing vehicles for the ultimate flexibility.

Your private safari tour guide will be handpicked to suit your individual requirements and will be fully aware of your preferences and any special interests by the time you travel to Africa. You will be the guide’s sole focus throughout the safari, and he or she will be on hand to manage any issues that may arise, answer any questions and give photographic assistance if needed. Behind the scenes they will work with camp operations to ensure your experience is as memorable as it can be, maximizing every moment of your safari.

Experience the Best of Southern Africa

Below are the major countries that we service with our private guiding services:

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a land of contrasts, with an extraordinary range of landscapes and wildlife. From the vast plains of Tembo to the dense rainforests of Victoria Falls, there is something for everyone. And what better way to experience this diverse country than on a private safari? Our experienced guides will take you off the beaten track, away from the crowds, and into the heart of Zimbabwe. You'll have the opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal and to learn about the country's rich culture and history.

Botswana

Botswana is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Africa. From the sprawling Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, this landlocked country is teeming with wildlife. For those looking for an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures, a private guided safari is the perfect option. Our custom tours allow travelers to tailor their itinerary to their specific interests, whether it's birdwatching, game drives, or cultural visits. With our knowledgeable guides by your side, you'll be sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Zambia

Zambia is a land of diverse wildlife and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a safari. On our private guided safari, you can explore the country at your own pace, stopping to view the animals and scenery that interest you most. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history from our expert guides. Whether you are searching for elephants on the banks of the Zambezi River or tracking lions through the bush, a private guided safari is an unforgettable experience.

Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a landlocked nation in central Africa with incredible sceneries and magnificent beauty spread throughout its hills, mountains, volcanoes, and bamboo forest. Rwanda is on many visitors' bucket lists since it is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla.

You won't want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It goes well with Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African places. From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the biodiverse area of Rwanda has a lot to see and admire.

Why Choose Sundowner Safaris?

At Sundowner Safaris, we pride ourselves on providing a personalized and intimate safari experience. When you book a trip with us, you can choose to upgrade and have your own private safari guide. Our guides are experts in the areas they tour and are passionate about giving our guests the best possible safari experience. In addition to our safari tour guide, we also offer quality customer service and support. We understand that planning a safari can be overwhelming, so our team is here to help you every step of the way. From trip planning to travel tips, we have you covered!

Book your dream African safari with Sundowner Safaris today!

2 lions in the African plains

What are the Benefits?

With a private guide, guests benefit from a continuity of personal service throughout their safari, with detailed attention to individual requirements. Your guide will know what your interests are, what you have seen so far and what animals you still hope to see.  As your safari progresses, your guide will build on the information he or she is giving you, providing a much deeper experience than you would otherwise achieve. Without a private guide, each new camp would start with the basics assuming zero prior knowledge. 

Dense jungle with a mountain in the background

Your game drives and activities will be on a private basis, leading to total flexibility. Your activities can be tailored to suit your needs – whether tracking a specific animal, concentrating on photography, watching animal behavior, birding, or any of a myriad of special interests. It is totally your choice whether you sit quietly at a good sighting or spend your time tracking an elusive leopard. You will have your own game drive vehicle, not shared with other guests. In the early morning when you are ready to start your game drive there will be no waiting around for other guests who decide to have an extra cup of coffee or seconds. The safari is wholly focused on you. 

The camp guides have a whole host of duties in between game drives, which keep them busy and away from guests. Not so for a private guide who may be able to take you on extended game drives or just sit with you after dinner around the fire and answer all those questions you have. For larger groups, we can arrange educational talks between game drives.

A privately guided safari can be a life-transforming event and once experienced it would be difficult to revert to a non-private safari with shared activities! Many guests who travel with a private guide return regularly and build up lifelong friendships.

Cost of a Private Guided Safari

The cost of booking a private guide to accompany your safari will vary depending on the time of year, type of itinerary, and number of guests. The additional costs may include:

  • A daily guide fee

  • Costs of transfers and guide accommodation

  • A daily rate for private activities at the safari camps.

Where budget is a consideration, there are several options to minimize the cost of a private safari tour guide:

  • Encourage friends or family to join your safari. From a cost perspective, the ultimate group size is 5 or 6 guests as the group should then qualify for private activities at no additional cost. A larger group size would reduce the per person cost further but the guests may be split between more than one game drive vehicle (or if they choose to remain together in one vehicle not all guests would have a "window seat")

  • Choose a mobile, overland safari rather than a fly-in safari staying in camps and lodges.

  • Avoid peak-season.

FAQ’s

  • The cost to go on safari with Sundowner Safari will depend on the specific itinerary and activities that you choose, the number of guests, and the time of the year you travel.

  • We would be happy to set up a trip without a safari tour guide for you, however, if your budget is flexible, then we recommend that you use a guide to join you alongside your adventure.

  • The length of your safari tour will depend on the specific itinerary and activities that you choose. An expert safari tour guide will help you determine the best length of time for your tour based on your interests and schedule.